Kiko the Kangaroo

Cover for film set package.

Kiko the Kangaroo is a fictional kangaroo appearing in theatrical cartoons produced by Terrytoons.[1] He is featured in ten cartoons made between 1936 and 1937.[2]

Fictional biography

As with various anthropomorphic animals at the time, Kiko wears shorts and shoes. While he does not speak, the marsupial is skilled in hand-to-hand fighting, and would use his prowess to defend his troubled friends or subdue an opponent in a boxing match. He can also use his tail for various purposes.

Kiko was created by Terrytoons in a desperate attempt to rival characters of other studios.[3] He first appeared in Farmer Al Falfa's Prize Package as a pet sent to the farmer by the latter's brother. Since then, the kangaroo would spend the rest of his short theatrical run in a series of his own. After only ten cartoons were released, plans were made to create another cartoon featuring him, only to be not approved by Paul Terry.

Kiko is also among the few characters of the studio to have a theme song. He also has merchandise including plush toys.

Filmography

Below is a list of films in their original titles. Some of them later came with alternate names when distributed by other companies like Castle Films.

Film Release date
Farmer Al Falfa's Prize Package July 31, 1936
Kiko and the Honey Bears August 21, 1936
Kiko Foils the Fox October 2, 1936
A Battle Royal October 30, 1936
Skunked Again December 25, 1936
Red Hot Music March 5, 1937
The Hay Ride April 12, 1937
Ozzie Ostrich Comes to Town May 28, 1937
Play Ball June 11, 1937
Kiko's Cleaning Day September 17, 1937

References

  1. ^ Lenburg, Jeff (1999). The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons. Checkmark Books. p. 97. ISBN 0-8160-3831-7. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  2. ^ Markstein, Don. "Kiko the Kangaroo". Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  3. ^ Duck Dodgers (December 31, 2005). "Introducing...Kiko the Kangaroo!". Classic Cartoons. Retrieved 2013-08-24.